History was never this much fun

For visitors and exhibitors, Townsville's annual Heritage Day is a chance to be immersed in the past while learning more about local history. Crowds were undeterred by rain with organisers estimating more than 5000 people attended the day, many arriving well before the official opening time.

The North Queensland Historical Re-enactment Society's Barry Turnbull, Rhys Disher and Les Irwin. Rhys and Les were unable to enlist in the ADF so they study and re-enact Townsville military history. "It is the best way I can contribute to the memory of those who have served," said Rhys. (supplied : Gregg Savage)

Townsville City Council Heritage Research Officer Ted Brandi says the crowd seems to be an even mix of new arrivals to the region and long-term regulars. "There is a resurgence I think as well because of Townsville's 150th anniversary," he said. (ABC : Nathalie Fernbach )

Barry Turnbull from the Historical Re-enactment Society. Barry says it's fun to dress up but it's also wonderful to educate people by letting them see and touch military history. "You learn so much about local history and you like to pass it on," he said. (ABC : Nathalie Fernbach )

Frank Cerutti and Serge Morelli from the Townsville Veteran, Vintage and Historic Motor Club with a 1923 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. "We know that people like to see vehicles that they can relate to from their or their parents' childhood." Mr Cerutti says the car is basically indestructible. "They were big enough to throw a dead sheep in the back," he said. (ABC : Nathalie Fernbach )

Catherine brought along her daughter Lucia to learn more about Townsville's history. "I think people like that sense of place and that connection with the place they have decided to live in and so therefore they take the time to find out a bit more about where they are living," she said. (ABC : Nathalie Fernbach )

Ian Matthews from the North Queensland Machinery Preservationists with an early whipper snipper. "We are finding these days now they are not so much into the engines as they can't relate to them, but things like these mowers now 'oh grandad had one, I remember them as a kid' they can more relate to it," he said. (ABC : Nathalie Fernbach )